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The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation received over sixty applications from students at Ferndown Upper School for 2016 awards. A panel from the charity together with Headteacher Phil Jones reviewed the applications for activities and equipment which ranged from volunteer work abroad, to scuba diving lessons and laptops to assist with school work. Forty students celebrated their success and were presented with their awards at a ceremony which included the Thornton family, local mayors and Councillors and local MP Chris Chope. After the ceremony the students were able to chat to the local dignitaries and tell them more of what they planned to do with their awards.

Bursaries were presented to thirty seven students. Beth was awarded funding to compete in a Badminton Tournament. She has been selected to play in an U17's Inter County Tournament which is a fantastic achievement for Beth who is currently in the U15 Dorset County age group. Jodi received support for an expedition to South Africa where she will work as a volunteer in a monkey sanctuary. The Green Power Car Team were also one of the successful applicants for a bursary and will receive support for their hugely successful project which will enable them to buy a hot wire cutter and modelling foam to improve on their car design.

The three scholarship winners showed complete dedication to their chosen activities and were extremely impressive during their interviews. Emily is a highly conscientious student and an extremely talented photographer. Her scholarship for IT equipment will make a real difference to her ability to study photography independently. James was spotted as a future talent at an Archery GB event and with a scholarship to help him to buy his own equipment he will be a step closer to his ambition of achieving success at National Level. Chloe was also an impressive candidate at interview and her scholarship will support her dream of a career in the equine industry.

The JTYAF has supported the students at Ferndown Upper School since the charity was formed in 2008 and these annual awards are very popular with students. Competition is becoming extremely tough and the students who are successful should be extremely proud of their achievment.